3D Printed Nanocomposites of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets

Additive manufacturing is a fast and cost-effective approach to prototype production. Complex shapes can be produced and the product can be optimized for maximum productivity using different print settings. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most widely used polymer for additive manufacturing due to its easily formable and recycleable nature. In this study, we prepared thermally conductive and electrically insulating 3D printable filaments composed of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and PLA matrix. A filament winder was assembled to produce filaments with a diameter of 1.75 mm. Simultaneously, BNNS additives were exfoliated with shear exfoliation method. Recycling process increased the fabrication yield, where mono or few layer BNNSs were obtained as revealed by detailed characterizations. Exfoliated BNNS showed better thermal diffusion rate in the composite structure compared to the pristine powder. This was due to the prevention of phonon scattering upon decreasing the number of BNNS layers. Detailed characterizations and 3D printed electronic devices that demonstrate the thermal effect of BNNS will be presented.